At the end of its 25th year of operations, the Jebel Ali Free Zone continues to garner interest from global businesses and recently welcomed two prominent Dubai-based diplomats. The visit was aimed at sharing of experiences and to enhance bilateral economic ties.

The Ambassador last paid a visit to the free zone two months ago for the inauguration of ESAB’s new LEED Platinum-certified environmentally friendly building facility. The Swedish manufacturer and supplier of welding and cutting equipment is one of the first companies to establish a LEED Platinum building in Jafza.

Ibrahim Mohamed Al Janahi welcomed the Ambassador and the follow-up visit stressing on the potential to increase mutual cooperation between the countries. According to Dubai World’s Statistics Department, the overall trade between the Dubai and Sweden from January to September was valued at AED 1.19 billion.

Al Janahi said: “Products and services associated with Sweden are well regarded globally and we welcome the expertise of Swedish companies in the free zone and the country. Jafza’s highly competitive packages, rapid growth, liberal investment climate and geographical location have proved to be of great value for Swedish companies with investment plans in the region. Jafza alone is home to over 20 Swedish companies and we hope to increase this number in the years to come. ”

On a separate visit, Takashi Ashiki, the recently appointed Japanese Consul General of UAE visited the Jebel Ali Free Zone and also met Ibrahim Mohamed Al Janahi.

The Consul General's visit came close on the heels of the recent Japanese Business Council meeting that was held in Jafza.

Jafza has become a prominent regional business hub for Japanese businesses looking to base themselves in the Middle East. The free zone is home to over 117 Japanese companies including Hitachi, Toshiba, JVC, Panasonic, Sanyo, Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, Fuji Film, Nichibo, Mitsui & Co, Obayashi, and Sumitomo Corporation among others.

UAE remains Japan's top export market in the Gulf. The overall trade between Dubai and Japan from January to September this year was valued at AED12.76 billion, according to Dubai World’s Statistics Department.

Ibrahim Mohamed Al Janahi briefed the new Consul General on Jafza’s special industry practices and unique culture and its continuing role as an important contributor to the local economy. He also referred to the importance of ongoing cooperation between the countries to increase the level of global investments.

The diplomats were given a presentation of the latest world-class infrastructure facilities and new developments in the free zone. The free zone’s recent projects include the expansion project in the South Zone which began in 2003 to accommodate growing demand; a best-in-class customer service facility; a benchmark-setting Convention Centre Complex, under construction; new innovative showroom and warehouse facilities and multi-functional light industrial warehouses.